A 42-year-old man was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident on state Route 74 the morning of June 9, 2010. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal crash occurred on the highway at Spring Crest Drive. California Highway Patrol officials said the motorcyclist veered into the opposing traffic lanes before crashing into the mountainside. He was ejected from his motorcycle. The man was airlifted to a regional hospital where he died shortly after the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved this deceased victim for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 32 deaths and 581 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Riverside County. During the same year, all car accidents in Riverside County claimed 220 lives and caused 8,561 injuries.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear what caused the motorcyclist to lose control. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle? Was there a dangerous or defective roadway condition, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? Was there another vehicle involved? For example, was the motorcycle run off the roadway by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what caused this tragic incident.

If the crash was caused by an auto product defect, the vehicle maker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable. If a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused this accident, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.

Victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What tips would you offer to motorcyclists to ride safely?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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